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theguardian.com
‘Worst we’ve known’: UK turns to imports as drought and heat hit vegetable crops
Growers in dismay after scorching weather and lack of rain affect yields, sending wholesale prices rocketingPubs, restaurants and supermarkets are having to buy lettuce and broccoli from Spain at what should be the height of UK growing season, as drought and extreme heat hit crops.The wholesale price of tomatoes is up by more than 60%, iceberg lettuce by 90% and potatoes by more than 40% as a number of farmers struggle to grow in consistently high temperatures. Even those with irrigation systems and reservoirs on their farms say water is running low. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
If you think kids will respect a robot teacher, you have never met a kid | Dave Schilling
A New York school district has paused plans to bring an android into the classroom. Is this our educational future?What’s more harrowing than sending your child to school? Maybe getting stuck on a city bus that can’t drop below 55 miles per hour or it will explode, but that’s about it. Once your kid hits school age, you have to decide (if you’re lucky) between public and private education, vet the teachers, and neurotically worry about whether they’re learning enough and are socializing effectively. For seven hours a day, someone who’s practically a stranger is responsible for the wellbeing of one of the most important people in your life.It’s a stressful situation, but maybe it would be less so if your kid’s teacher was a humanoid robot.Dave Schilling is a Los Angeles-based writer and humorist Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Lost income, energy fears and a woolly mammoth: what Europe’s dried-up rivers have yielded
Heat and drought have affected shipping, power plants and tourism across eastern Europe – as well as unearthing some surprisesBaking temperatures and drought across large swathes of central and eastern Europe have driven water levels on the Danube and Rhine rivers to record lows in some areas, hitting shipping, energy production and tourism hard.Extreme conditions aggravated by the climate emergency left Europe’s waterways from the Netherlands to the Black Sea parched, triggering compounding crises. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
In the battle of Elon Musk v the press, we can’t let truth be the loser | Jane Martinson
The trillionaire Tesla owner has called the editor of the Economist a ‘traitor to the west’ after a clash-filled interview. How should the media respond?Elon Musk’s long interview with the editor of the Economist is as good a representation as any of the current clash between two worlds. In one corner, the editor of an 182-year-old news organisation which promotes economic liberalism and freedom. In the other, the world’s first trillionaire, who spreads misinformation to his hundreds of millions of followers on his own social media platform. The bout is a masterclass in the challenges journalists face in a new world of AI, fact avoidance and online aggression.The flash points in Zanny Minton Beddoes’ conversation with Musk start with definitions. Musk says that the people Minton Beddoes calls “far-right” and “fringe” (she mentions Germany’s AfD party) are in fact just “normal people”. They clash over whether the speed of his cuts to USAID led to unnecessary deaths in developing countries – she believes his claim that it didn’t defies not only statistics but the evidence from her reporters on the ground. Asked if he is racist, he cites the fact he has four children with a woman who is “half Indian”. In an awkward exchange, when asked by Minton Beddoes whether he is anti-Muslim, Musk says he is against “people coming to a country with antithetical views … I’m against rape and murder.”Jane Martinson is a Guardian columnist. She is a board member of the Scott Trust, which owns the Guardian Media Group. As the Marjorie Deane professor of financial journalism at City St George’s, University of London, she has a connection through a charitable foundation to Zanny Minton Beddoes, who is chair of trustees. She writes in a personal capacity Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Tankers near Oman come under fire as Iran threatens to choke off shipping routes
The latest attacks come amid U.S. media reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing a fresh round of strikes against Iran.
theguardian.com
Gianni Infantino ‘has lost Uefa’s confidence’ after Fifa chief scraps World Cup sell-off plan
Infantino ditched proposals after widespread backlashUefa adds: ‘We cannot keep going on with secret schemes’Uefa has warned Gianni Infantino that his style of leadership cannot continue in demanding a thorough and fundamental review of Fifa’s governance.In a strongly worded statement that referred to “secret schemes”, “shabby backroom deals” and “faceless individuals”, the Uefa leadership made clear it wants change at the top of Fifa, despite the world governing body’s overnight U-turn in abandoning Infantino’s plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup and other competitions. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
From Ozempic to eye creams: demand for bathroom mini fridges is heating up
Sales soar as consumers seek maximum convenience, though experts say most products don’t need to be kept coolWhen it comes to essential fixtures and fittings for bathrooms, the most common are tubs and taps. But now there is a new must-have emerging: a mini fridge.Used to store everything from beauty products to GLP-1 medication, the growing demand reflects a wider trend in how the wellness industry and weight-loss drugs are reshaping homes. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
‘We didn’t feel safe’: Booking.com users face battle to get money back
From melted electric sockets to shabby alternatives, readers tell of dealings with platform when things go wrongJane Ripley* spent some time researching the best apartment to stay in for her family’s trip to Batumi in Georgia, eventually settling on one with an “exceptional” rating on Booking.com.But when the Ripleys arrived at 11pm on the first day, they were directed to another property that was shabby and had stains on the furniture and ceiling. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Knickers in a twist: why M&S selling crotchless panties isn’t as outrageous as it seems
Some have called it ‘S&M’, but partnership with Ann Summers is less a scandal than another step in a century of evolving underwear trends, experts sayThe news that Marks & Spencer is selling Ann Summers crotchless knickers on their website has been greeted – as might be expected – with outrage online, being described as everything from “tawdry” to “S & M”.But it could be this is just the latest evolution in what the UK’s biggest underwear retailer has available for the smalls drawer. In recent years, the store has sold vastly different options through its own products, ranging from full-brief knickers to thongs, period knickers and those that can be used by women who wear stomas. The introduction of other brands in clothing came five years ago, with underwear included. Ann Summers – which is selling bras and chemises as well as knickers on the M&S website – lines up alongside lingerie brands including Pour Moi and Calvin Klein. Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
Stick to spending limits, PM and chancellor tell ministers in joint memo
The Chancellor said the Budget on 28 October would “meet our fiscal rules” and give families "stability" to plan for the future.
cnbc.com
Building for 131°F: Europe races to protect its infrastructure from a ‘quiet catastrophe’
A summer of weather extremes and severe infrastructure stress has prompted companies and policymakers across Europe to respond.
cnbc.com
Iran's overlapping power centers make ending the war more complicated
Iran’s power structure complicates efforts to enforce any ceasefire with the U.S., from the Supreme Leader to the Revolutionary Guards.
theguardian.com
Turn failing water firms into not-for-profit cooperatives, MPs and mayors tell PM
Labour politicians say mutualised model puts public in control without adding debt to government’s balance sheetMPs and mayors close to Andy Burnham have told the prime minister there is a “third way” to gain more control of failing companies, as the row over whether or not to nationalise Thames Water rumbles on.Burnham is said to be concerned about the increase in government debt that Treasury projections show could be a result of nationalising water companies. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
The tangled financial web at the heart of Reform UK
Nigel Farage’s £5m gift, the Cottrell family’s links and donations, and Richard Tice’s business dealings form part of an increasingly clear nexus of relationshipsIt has been three months since the Guardian revealed that Nigel Farage had accepted a £5m gift from Christopher Harborne, a billionaire donor to Reform UK.This was not the first story in our continuing investigation. But it has proved the most significant, and the consequences of the disclosure are still being played out. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
‘Proteinmaxxing’ could lead to higher prices for infant formula, say experts
Whey protein, a key infant formula ingredient, is in growing demand, partly linked to rising use of weight-loss drugsThe rise of “proteinmaxxing” – a trend in which consumers try to eat as much protein as possible – could lead to higher prices for infant formula, experts warn.Whey protein, a key ingredient in infant formula, has surged in popularity over the past year as health professionals emphasise the benefits of protein. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
ECB official warns climate crisis poses growing threat to ‘core financial stability’
Exclusive: As wildfires rage, Frank Elderson says more work needed to assess risk from collapse of ecosystem servicesA senior policymaker at the European Central Bank has said the climate emergency and the breakdown of nature poses a dramatically growing risk to the global economy.Frank Elderson, a member of the ECB’s executive board, said the eurozone lender of last resort was stepping up its monitoring of the financial risks linked to the destruction of “ecosystem services”, which are nature-related processes or assets that support human activity. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Bessent ‘to-do’ list shows proposal for US to buy $5bn-$10bn of Japanese yen
Treasury secretary’s notepad, photographed by Reuters on Friday morning, prompts questions over US plansDuring a cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday, the US treasury secretary Scott Bessent carelessly revealed plans for the US to buy $5bn-$10bn in Japanese yen in a scribbled “to do” list left visible to a Reuters photographer.The image, taken over Bessent’s shoulder during a portion of the meeting open to journalists, showed a Camp David notepad with the underscored words “To Do” followed by “Buy Japanese Yen (JPY) $5-10 bil”. Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
Snapchat joins other popular platforms in fight against 'AI slop'
Snapchat, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Substack are trying to combat the proliferation of fake AI content.
cnbc.com
Fintech broker Clear Street offers investors pre-IPO access to $188 billion AI giant Databricks
Fintech brokerage Clear Street is launching a private markets platform, beginning with Databricks stakes, to give investors more access to late-stage startups.
cnbc.com
Trump's AI executive order nears key deadline as regulation debate intensifies
OpenAI's Sam Altman and Nvidia's Jensen Huang were among tech leaders in Washington, D.C., ahead of a deadline the White House set in its AI executive order.
cnbc.com
‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ sets domestic box office preview record with $72 million
Sony and Marvel's "Spider-Man: Brave New Day" is expected to haul in around $270 million domestically over its debut weekend.
cnbc.com
FIFA tests the limits of private equity in sports with World Cup subsidiary sale
UEFA and Concacaf's rejection of FIFA's plan to sell a 20% stake in the World Cup's commercial operations highlights uneasiness with private equity in sports.
cnbc.com
Hamas says Trump's Gaza 'disarmament' claim depends on Israel honoring commitments
Hamas says it will only disarm after Israel meets previous ceasefire commitments, despite President Trump's announcement of a breakthrough U.S.-brokered agreement.
cnbc.com
How Leopold Aschenbrenner built a $45 billion AI hedge fund — and lost most of it in days
Leopold Aschenbrenner, a former OpenAI researcher-turned-hedge fund manager, saw a dramatic decline this week in his AI-focused fund, Situational Awareness.
cnbc.com
Alphabet, Amazon and Microsoft added nearly $1.5 trillion in combined value this week
Amazon, Microsoft and Google added hundreds of billions of dollars to their market caps, while Apple and Meta saw their market valuations fall.
cnbc.com
Dwindling cash and soaring memory costs: Tech's AI buildout has ballooning price tag
Amazon, Alphabet and Tesla all reported negative cash flow in the latest quarter, while Meta's cash generation plummeted by 91%.
cnbc.com
Trump says U.S. has 'not agreed to' grant Ukraine Patriot missile licenses
President Donald Trump said the U.S. hasn't agreed to grant Ukraine licenses to produce Patriot missile systems.
theguardian.com
‘It ain’t the same’: inside the bitter battle to free Ben & Jerry’s
Ben Cohen says his ice-cream company has been silenced by corporate ownership – and a boycott of Magnum brands could force a saleBen & Jerry’s ice-cream in the tub is still great, but the brand’s newest chocolate-covered ice-cream bar on a stick?“It ain’t the same,” Ben Cohen, the company co-founder, told the Guardian. Sure, the chocolate coating is still thick enough, but the ice cream itself is “kinda fluffy”, Cohen said – an insult in the ice-cream world that suggests extra air was added to cut costs. Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
AI firms must answer for rogue bots, says boss of hacked company
Clement Delangue said he didn't want cyber attacks on other companies to become "normalised".
theguardian.com
Andy Burnham’s first step towards fairer social care for all | Letters
Readers respond to the prime minister’s pledge to spend his ‘political capital’ and find cross-party consensus on reforming social careI write as someone whose disabilities mean that I will be in receipt of social care support my whole life (Andy Burnham seeks cross-party agreement on future of social care, 27 July). For too long, people like me have been cannon fodder for politicians who routinely forget that their highest duty in providing social care is to protect those less able, or unable, to care for themselves. Investing in the right support for us unlocks our often-forgotten abilities. When we are successful, it is often because we have had opportunity to be because of that support, and when we aren’t, as so often happens, it is because society writes us off.Andy Burnham’s intervention is welcome news as it shows that he considers us a priority. Reform of the social care system has to be taken hand in hand with disability groups and people with lived experience of being disabled. Too often the system traps people into dependency on temporary accommodation rather than providing them with the means to receive support in their own home. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
U.S. lawmakers request information from DoorDash on use of Chinese AI models
The food delivery company is the latest to be asked to share details of AI use by two House committee conducting a joint investigation.
theguardian.com
The Guardian view on England’s centralised state: Andy Burnham must unbundle it | Editorial
Devolution should finance transport, skills and industry, not become a rightwing contest to promise the largest tax giveawayThat England is among the rich world’s most centralised countries underpins Andy Burnham’s critique of the economic history of the past 40 years. Only post-communist Europe deindustrialised as rapidly as Yorkshire and the Midlands did in the 1980s. Centralisation did not close every factory or pit, but left regions without the powers, finance or institutions to cushion the shock or build a resilient, replacement economy. Hence Mr Burnham’s radical and welcome plan to unbundle English government.There are three facets to his devolution programme. The first are the detailed and concrete proposals contained in a cabinet paper Mr Burnham released on Friday. This appears to be a blueprint to create a decentralised state organised around mayors as the key regional economic actors, while jointly governed pan-regional agencies could emerge, say for transport, energy, investment and industrial systems, that cross mayoral boundaries. Regions without mayors will get a chance to have one – or limit themselves to weaker powers.Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Will Trump be Burnham’s undoing, or the making of him? The answer lies in Europe | Jonathan Freedland
In an increasingly dangerous world, our European neighbours are finding safety in numbers – but Britain is on the outside. The new PM’s task is to change thatThere is an orange cloud in the sky. I’m not referring to the wildfires ravaging parts of Europe and East Anglia, though they are connected. I mean the looming pall from across the Atlantic that threatens to spoil the sunny start to the premiership of Andy Burnham – and whose name is Donald Trump.Burnham’s first 10 days or so in office have gone about as well as he or any of his team could have dared hope. His net approval rating has risen by 17 points, according to one early poll, gaining ground with every category of voter except supporters of Reform UK, though they too like some of what they see. His easy manner, no-notes speech-making and agility on social media have won plaudits, including from a usually sceptical press.Jonathan Freedland is a Guardian columnist Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Boss of £300m used-car firm was ousted after ‘orchestrated plan’ by investors, judge rules
Multimillionaire Peter Waddell is also found to have been properly dismissed from Big Motoring World for gross misconductA multimillionaire used-car salesman was ousted from his £300m company after “a pre-conceived and orchestrated plan” devised by private equity investors that had backed his business, a high court judge has ruled.Peter Waddell, 60, was forced out as the chief executive of the Kent-based dealership Big Motoring World in 2024 in a coup that resulted in “more-or-less open warfare” at the car seller and caused “unfair prejudice” to the investment company that held Waddell’s majority stake. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Healey sets budget for late October, promising to ‘spread money and power’ around UK
Chancellor will have to find money for Burnham’s policies while sticking to fiscal rules as borrowing costs riseAndy Burnham’s government has set a date for a late October budget to “spread money and power” out of Westminster as the new prime minister pushes forward his tax and spending plans.Announcing an autumn budget for 28 October, the chancellor, John Healey, said Labour would stick to its fiscal rules with its agenda to give businesses and households stability for the future. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Democrats demand information on Trump and Lutnick families' ties to critical mineral deals
The senators asked the Departments of Commerce, Defense, Energy, Interior and the Export-Import Bank to preserve all records related to those deals.
bbc.co.uk
BP puts North Sea business up for sale
The decision follows a review of BP's operations and is set to end 60 years of production in the region by the oil giant.
cnbc.com
Amazon says it got $600 million in Trump tariff refunds and will pass return along to some customers
The company previously hadn't disclosed whether it would recoup tariff costs after the Supreme Court ruled many of President Donald Trump's levies were illegal.
cnbc.com
Fed officials who voted to hike rates say action is needed now against inflation
Kashkari and Hammack joined Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan in dissenting against holding the Fed's key overnight borrowing rate steady.
theguardian.com
New York sues Kalshi prediction market alleging ‘illegal gambling operation’
Calling it an ‘illegal, unlicensed gambling operation’, state seeks to halt Kalshi’s operations and force it to forfeit profitsThe state of New York has filed a lawsuit against Kalshi, accusing the prediction market operator of “running an illegal gambling operation”.The lawsuit, filed on Friday, was announced by Kathy Hochul, the New York governor, and Letitia James, the state attorney general. It seeks to force the New York-based company to forfeit its profits, provide restitution to harmed consumers and pay fines equal to three times its profits. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
UK petrol price hits Iran war high, adding to pressure on households
Average pump price reaches 160p a litre, while diesel is up 14.5p to 179p and forecast to increase to 185p soonThe price of petrol has hit a new Iran war high at UK forecourts, adding to the financial pressure on millions of households about to embark on their annual holiday.The RAC said that in “very unwelcome news for drivers” the average pump price had reached 160p a litre, reversing the fall to 151p in early July that followed the announcement of a Middle East ceasefire. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Chelsea fined £10m and given suspended transfer ban by FA over agent breaches
Club escape suspended six-point deduction on appealOwners admitted secret payments by previous regimeChelsea have been fined £10m by the FA and served with a suspended transfer ban for multiple violations of transfer rules during the Roman Abramovich era.The sanction reflects a similar punishment handed to the Blues by the Premier League earlier this year after the club were found to have used unlicensed agents and sought to obscure the nature of their transfer dealings between 2009 and 2022. Deals involving Chelsea legends Samuel Eto’o, Eden Hazard and Willian were among those found to have breached the rules. The commission originally handed down a stronger sanction that would have given Chelsea a suspended six-point deduction, but it was overturned after an appeal by the club. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Leonardo expects more deals as Europe ramps up defense spending
Leonardo is eyeing further M&A as it races to expand capabilities and meet surging defense demand after raising its 2026 outlook.
cnbc.com
Novo Nordisk shares dive after heart medicine fails trial, dealing another blow to its pipeline
The experimental medicine ziltivekimab didn't translate into a statistically meaningful reduction in major cardiovascular adverse events, Novo said Friday.
bbc.co.uk
Andy Burnham to give regional mayors share of income tax
The prime minister says the move will give power to "every postcode" but critics say the plans lack detail.
bbc.co.uk
Sainsbury's agrees to sell Argos for £120m
Under the terms of the deal, Argos will still operate in Sainsbury's shops, sell Habitat products, and offer Nectar points.
bbc.co.uk
Passenger on British Airways mayday flight describes fear and shout of 'I don't want to die'
Edward Killiwick was on the flight that issued a distress call, before it landed safely at Heathrow earlier this month.
bbc.co.uk
UK petrol prices hit highest level since Iran war began
The price of unleaded hits 160p a litre, according to motoring group the RAC, as oil prices remain elevated.
cnbc.com
The Tech Download: Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf talks AI in warfare and manufacturing push
CNBC's Arjun Kharpal sits down on The Tech Download podcast with the defense company chief.
cnbc.com
Iran targets strategic U.S. assets in Kuwait, Bahrain after Egypt drone attack
Iran's army said it launched attacks on strategic U.S. assets and military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.
bbc.co.uk
Anthropic's Claude AI escapes to hack into three organisations
It comes just days after rival OpenAI said rogue AI agents had breached other firms' networks.
bbc.co.uk
'I will miss my shop tremendously after six decades'
Meredith's DIY Hardware and Ironmongery has been at Yate Shopping Centre, near Bristol, since 1965.
cnbc.com
A portfolio manager says investors are looking overseas as Magnificent Seven worries grow. Here are the stocks and sectors he favors
Janus Henderson’s Julian McManus says investors are looking overseas as Magnificent Seven concentration worries revive diversification.
theguardian.com
New solar panels in Great Britain at 15-year high as fossil fuel costs soar
Boom in solar farms and home installations in first half of 2026 began shortly after start of US-Israel war against IranGreat Britain has recorded more new solar power installations in the first half of this year than in any six-month period since 2011, as households turn to rooftop panels to help cut their energy bills.An analysis of the government’s official figures shows that Great Britain added 142,536 solar installations in the first six months of the year, putting it on track to top last year’s record solar additions. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
SK Hynix, Samsung shares skyrocket to clock best days as AI rally roars back
South Korea's chip heavyweights SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics soared more than 20% on Friday, tracking a sharp rally in U.S. technology stocks.
cnbc.com
Deadly storms and a global supply squeeze are sending copper prices soaring
Deadly storms in Chile have disrupted mining operations, further straining supply and potentially driving prices higher, strategists say.
cnbc.com
CNBC Daily Open: Iran-U.S. tensions, China's factory data and a steady Bank of Japan
U.S. President Donald Trump called on Congress to add tariffs on Iran to a sanctions bill against Russia and Tehran that has bipartisan support. However duties would have little effect, as the U.S. imports nearly nothing from Iran.
bbc.co.uk
South Korean shares soar after chip stock rout
It comes after a three-day rout that wiped hundreds of billions of dollars off the value of the country's stock market.
cnbc.com
Fast-fashion retailer Shein’s 3-year IPO odyssey may have cost it the ‘golden time’ to go public
Investors are questioning whether Beijing's blessing can carry a $40-billion-plus valuation for a clothing retailer whose growth engine is stalling.
cnbc.com
CXMT's blockbuster debut in Shanghai sets stage for next test against global memory giants
The company faces a challenge as it does not have access to the latest extreme ultraviolet, or EUV, lithography machines, essential for manufacturing advanced chips.
theguardian.com
Charming homes for sale with family gardens in England – in pictures
From the heart of the Peak District to the Kent Downs, houses with outside space to suit all ages Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
Hospital parking hike adds stress, patients say
From 31 July hourly parking charges will increase by about 50% at several hospitals in the county.
bbc.co.uk
Group's mission to appreciate every piece of food
Food in Community takes unwanted and surplus produce from growers and farmers.
theguardian.com
Think our basic rights are safe? In the age of oligarchs and corporate lobbying, think again | George Monbiot
The global assault on our freedoms is coming ever closer to home. Just look at the sinister prosecution of UK lawyer Rajiv MenonNo more resistance in the US. The era of human rights is over, and dissent is once more forbidden. This is what certain billionaires and their concierges want, and this is the model they’re also seeking to project across the world. If we fail to resist, if our new prime minister is as weak and suggestible as the last one, this is what we will get. In fact, we are halfway there already.Why? Because successive governments in the UK have succumbed to a global campaign to cancel our fundamental freedoms, a campaign led by oligarchs and corporations, the media they own and the junktanks they fund. A campaign that has become definitional for the second Trump presidency. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Experience: I drive a bus for dogs
I worked with children for years, so the noise doesn’t bother me. You know you’ve done a good job if they’re quiet on the way homeI’ve been a bus driver for 25 years. Before that, I worked in engineering sales and was on the road a lot, but it became impractical once I had young children. I took my kids to soft play centres and I thought: “I could run a place like this.” I opened my own centre in a Victorian shopping arcade in Otley, West Yorkshire, in 1995. It was great as my daughters could come with me. Then, a customer told me about play buses – vehicles converted into soft play centres with slides, ball pits and climbing frames. I liked the idea.I went to an exhibition to look at some and bought a doubledecker that had already been converted. My uncle drove it home, because I couldn’t. I had to learn quickly as it was parked outside my house. It had no power steering and a ratchet handbrake. I threw up during my first lesson because I was so scared, but driving it soon became second nature. I passed my test within six months. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Soy sauce refills and reused jars: can Philippines’ tingi culture hold back deluge of plastic waste?
A zero-waste shop set up by a district council provides plastic-free products at affordable prices in a country that gets through 164m sachets a dayJust after classes finish for the day in Malabon City, in the Philippines, a corner shop begins to fill. Mothers arrive with their children, handing over empty bottles to be refilled with soy sauce and cooking oil. Plastic tubs that previously held ice-cream or biscuits are weighed and filled with flour or sugar. The kids get some sweets and banana chips bagged in brown kraft paper.This store, Tingi Tindahan, offers a different experience from other small independent shops in the country. It retains the accessibility of micro-retail, colloquially known as tingi, while reintroducing reuse and refill methods instead of selling products in sachets and plastic packaging that too quickly becomes discarded waste. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
‘It makes your heart sing’: can a pioneering project show that rewilding really works? – podcast
Intensive farming has all but destroyed England’s ancient woodlands and freshwater wetlands. On a farm in Lincolnshire a radical aristocrat hopes to show there’s money in protecting natureBy Patrick Barkham. Read by Dermot DalyRead the text version hereSupport the Guardian today: theguardian.com/longreadpodThe summer issue of the Long Read magazine is out now. Click here to order Continue reading...
cnbc.com
South Korea's 'bipolar' stock market: meltdowns, a record rally and what's to come
South Korea's stock market staged its sharpest reversal on record on Friday, capping a month of wild swings.
theguardian.com
Could AI take your job? Some workers in China already know the answer
Across the country, workers are fearful about the impact of AI on their livelihoods in an increasingly fragile labour market On the tree-lined streets of Wuhan, where cars jostle for space with mopeds and cargo trucks, the malfunctioning of a new type of vehicle has recently been causing chaos on the city’s roads.In March, several cars from a fleet of driverless taxis stopped abruptly in the streets. The “system malfunction” left distressed riders stranded for hours. The robotaxis, known as Apollo Go and powered by artificial intelligence (AI), were taken off Wuhan’s streets for months for investigations. Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
Amazon and Apple just told us more about their AI plans - here are three things we learned
Billions of dollars are being poured into a new wave of AI technology. But will it pay off?
cnbc.com
Anthropic says its Claude models 'gained unauthorized access' to other organizations' systems
Anthropic said it discovered three instances where its Claude AI models accessed the internet during an evaluation and accessed outside systems.
bbc.co.uk
Apple warns of future 'supply constraints' for Mac, iPhone, iPad
Shares of Apple plunged on a warning of slower sales in the coming months.
bbc.co.uk
Thames Water boss says leakage targets 'not realistic'
Chris Weston said Thames wanted "to do better" but some of its targets were not achievable.
bbc.co.uk
'I pay £580 a month to live in a disused care home': Property guardians show us around
Could you live communally in a disused building in exchange for a heavily discounted rent? Property guardians show us around.
theguardian.com
Record low water levels across Europe reveal mammoth skeletons and forgotten shipwrecks – video
Water levels across several of Europe’s major waterways have dropped to exceptionally low levels, setting new records in some areas.Extreme heat exacerbated by the climate crisis is intensifying the drought hitting the continent as record-breaking heatwaves means the hot atmosphere is evaporating water from rivers, lakes, soils and plants quickly.The Danube has hit the lowest level of water in 30 years in several countries including Hungary, Serbia and Romania, and the Rhine has dropped to its lowest recorded level in some sections and is expected to drop further due to droughtClimate crisis-driven heat ‘sucking soils dry’ as extreme drought hits Europe Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
India wants to join the strawberry superpowers
Indian strawberry farmers rely on varieties imported from the US and Europe, but that could change.
cnbc.com
UEFA threatens World Cup boycott over FIFA private equity investment plan
FIFA has faced backlash from global soccer governing bodies over the proposal to allow private investment.
bbc.co.uk
Virtual interviews don't show bosses your personality, says Burnham
Interviews online may not allow young people to "shine" and communicate their "passion", the prime minister says.
theguardian.com
The outlook gets better and better at Rolls-Royce
With fingers in various highly lucrative pies, maybe the firm becoming LSE’s most valuable isn’t as fanciful as it seems Tufan Erginbilgiç, the chief executive of Rolls-Royce, seemed to be getting ahead himself when he said a year ago that the engine-maker had the potential to become the most valuable company on the London Stock Exchange.Yes, everyone knows about the remarkable turnaround. Rolls was a corporate calamity during the Covid shutdown of global aviation, then a tenfold increase in the share price followed under Erginbilgiç. But it still required a leap of imagination to think the firm could challenge the very top of the capitalisation charts one day. Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
British Airways flight called mayday on approach to Heathrow
The call was made on an Airbus o20 flying from Dusseldorf airport in Germany on 6 July following two stall warnings.
bbc.co.uk
Hundreds of jobs to go at Jaguar Land Rover
The car giant says it expects fewer than 300 people will lose their jobs.
bbc.co.uk
Bank holds interest rates but says it is ready to raise them if Iran war escalates
The Bank also expects the economy to grow more than previously forecast this year, although uncertainties remain because of the Iran war.
bbc.co.uk
Burnham says he told Trump UK will be pragmatic about North Sea oil
Andy Burnham says he told the US president he couldn't ignore North Sea resources when people are struggling.
bbc.co.uk
US economic growth sees surprise slowdown in second quarter
The economy grew at an annual rate of 1.5% in the three months to June, down from 2.1% seen in the previous quarter.
theguardian.com
Will we pay more tax to fund social care? – podcast
Andy Burnham gave a major speech on Wednesday on his plans for a national care service. He sought cross-party consensus on the issue by speaking to the Tories and Lib Dems. But not Reform UK or the Greens. On Thursday, Reform’s Robert Jenrick claimed at a press conference that the prime minister wanted a ‘death tax’. But is that what Burnham set out? Plus, Zack Polanski is under fire for a social media post. Is the Green party leader too ‘online’? Pippa Crerar and Peter Walker discussRead Peter Walker’s article on Zack Polanski’s social media use here.Read John Crace’s article on social care here.Please keep sending your comments and questions to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Are British graduates being conned? | Opinion
Thousands of students are graduating into an employment crisis, leaving them feeling hopeless and overqualified, as well as dealing with enormous debts from tuition fees. When higher education was transformed, teenagers were offered a deal - pay £9,000 a year and secure a ‘bright future’. But as the Guardian’s economics commentator Aditya Chakrabortty accurately predicted, for many the reality has been very different Continue reading...
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Only the Middle East crisis is preventing a drop in UK interest rates
Bank’s wariness about inflationary pressures from the conflict lie behind decision to hold steady at 3.75%Business live – latest updatesThere is a threat of high inflation coming to the UK but only from the conflict in the Middle East, which could keep oil prices high for much longer than was expected when Donald Trump first began attacking Iran.It is the war that makes the difference between a benign outlook for inflation and one that puts it back on a rising trajectory, senior UK central bankers believe. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Families to be moved out of billionaire-owned tower after suffering without air con
Several councils to stop housing tenants in glass-fronted Britannia Point in London, where tenants were earlier told they could not use air conAs the fourth heatwave of the year hit the UK on Wednesday, Benice Bodah and her three teenage sons braced for more scorching temperatures inside their south-west London home. The two-bedroom flat has a built-in air-conditioning unit, but it has worked only intermittently in the almost three years since the family were placed in temporary accommodation at Britannia Point in Colliers Wood. “It has not been easy, but what can we do?” said Bodah, 48.Several councils have now agreed to stop housing families in emergency accommodation in the glass-fronted block after the Guardian revealed they had been told they couldn’t use the air-conditioning during heatwaves as it had “not been offered as an amenity” for them. The 19-storey building is owned by Criterion Capital, set up by the billionaire property magnate Asif Aziz. The temporary tenancies can last from weeks to years and are managed separately by letting agencies, including the London-based Aura Assets Management. Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
What's happening to UK interest rates and what does it mean for mortgages?
The interest rate set by the Bank of England affects mortgage, loan and savings rates for millions.
bbc.co.uk
Shell profits double as oil prices rise due to Iran war
Disruption to global supplies of oil and liquid natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz has pushed up prices.
cnbc.com
From Hormuz to the Black Sea: Maritime battlefields are shaping ‘a new world order’
Attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea and Black Sea are pushing shipowners to reroute cargo and rethink global trade risks.
bbc.co.uk
Burnham says nuclear sub investment will protect UK and boost jobs
Speaking ahead of a visit to Barrow-in-Furness, the PM seeks to stress the economic benefits of defence spending.
bbc.co.uk
Beauty Pie founder on how she dropped out of university and built five beauty businesses
Marcia Kilgore, founder of Beauty Pie, shares her top tips on how to create a successful business.
bbc.co.uk
Meta shares fall as frustration grows over AI spending plans
CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the firm intends to sell its AI tools to other companies for the first time.
bbc.co.uk
The Chinese robot army transforming the UK's retail industry
Britain's weak productivity growth and labour shortages are creating an opportunity for China's robotics firms.
bbc.co.uk
'No magic wand' to tackle high prices, Fed boss says as US interest rates held
The Federal Reserve's decision, which was broadly expected, means rates remain between the 3.5% and 3.75%.
bbc.co.uk
What happens here has a big impact on your money
BBC business reporter Dearbail Jordan explains how it works from inside the Bank of England.
theguardian.com
Drinkflation: why British booze is getting weaker
While the sizes and prices are staying the same, brands are reducing the alcohol content in their beerName: Drinkflation.Age: The current round started in 2023. Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
How cow showers and fans help farmers keep cattle cool
Dairy farmers are using cow showers and fans to protect cattle as hotter summers hit milk production.
bbc.co.uk
1975: The world's first shop for left-handers
A London shop selling goods designed for left-handed people was doing a brisk trade.
theguardian.com
‘Ask the right questions’: what you need to know before buying shares
Whether it is SpaceX or a bank, getting the right facts about a firm can offer vital insights before you invest in itWhen Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched on to the stock market, tens of thousands of Britons clamoured to buy a stake, putting the spotlight on DIY investing.Going it alone and buying shares in individual companies can be rewarding, but also risky. Unless you have a huge amount of cash, you are likely to end up investing in far fewer companies than if you invested in a fund. This means you are more exposed to the ups and downs of those companies’ fortunes. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
We booked a Travelodge but were forced to move hotel after 1am
We told it of our 11pm arrival time but when we got there our room was no longer available as it had ‘overbooked’I booked and paid for a room in the Travelodge London King’s Cross Royal Scot hotel six weeks in advance. It was for myself and my husband, who has heart disease and dementia.I had called the hotel on the day of arrival to advise that we would be checking in at 11pm and was told that was fine. Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
Shabaz Asks: Are Billionaires Bad?
Shabaz Ali turns author to see if the internet's favourite villains deserve the hate.
bbc.co.uk
Is it time to stop using glue and labels on paper?
Labels and adhesives can prevent paper from being recycled but there's new tech aimed at changing that.
theguardian.com
I risk losing my livelihood because Nissan failed to repair my car
I’m a self-employed driving instructor and I’m running out of cash to hire a replacement dual-control vehicleMy livelihood as a self-employed driving instructor is under threat owing to Nissan’s failure to repair my leased dual-control car.It has been off the road awaiting a spare part for three months, and I’ve now been told it will take at least a further month to arrive. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
‘I never thought I’d fall for a scam’: the fake Spotify emails that put you at risk of fraud
Criminals send victims to a cloned site that collects login, personal and payment detailsYou have had a Spotify account for years and your credit card is linked for the monthly payments. When an email arrives telling you that your payment couldn’t be processed you are not surprised as the expiry date on the card is soon.“We encountered an issue while processing your recent payment,” it says. “To keep your access active and avoid interruption, please review and update your information.” Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
Money Box
What might the new team at the top of government mean for your money?
bbc.co.uk
The 20-somethings betting big on tech stocks
The BBC hears from people about the risks and rewards of investing in technology shares.
bbc.co.uk
This farmer wanted to quit the cocaine industry - he couldn't
Colombians who grow cocaine's raw material bemoan a lack of support to help them switch crops.
bbc.co.uk
Is tracking your food purchases good for your health?
Food tracking apps are popular, but are they a good way to make us eat a healthier diet?
theguardian.com
AI and artists can click – a new manifesto for modern creativity
The UK is both an epicentre of global creative industries and a budding AI powerhouse. Here’s how it can balance support for creatives while also embracing technological changesWhat does it mean to be a creator in today’s modern world when artificial intelligence is reshaping relationships between humans and technology?That’s one critical question the UK creative industry has been asking itself as AI rips up traditional conventions on copyright, ownership, effort, and originality. Continue reading...
bbc.co.uk
New era for Gibraltar with removal of 118-year-old border controls with Spain
It is hoped that free movement between the UK territory and Spain will provide an economic boost.
bbc.co.uk
Wealthy AI workers send San Francisco house prices soaring
The median cost of a home in the city is now $1.7m, a record high, according to the latest figures.
bbc.co.uk
Robots available for rent: But what can they do?
Robotics tech is changing fast, so for many it makes sense to rent a robot.
bbc.co.uk
AI is 'not smart' so what's next in artificial intelligence?
Leading AI researcher Yan LeCun has a start-up which is developing a more flexible AI system.
bbc.co.uk
Why Gen Z are planning for life without a state pension
Many younger people do not believe the state pension will exist when they are older
bbc.co.uk
The furious dispute over what caused Air India flight 171 to crash
The final conclusions of the investigation have yet to be published, although more could become apparent in the coming days.
bbc.co.uk
How the High Street became a window on our political instability
High Streets have declined in recent years. What does this tell us about the UK?
bbc.co.uk
The £5 coffee that tells a story of global economic turmoil
Coffees at some city centre outlets now cost £5. It's a story of tariffs, the climate, Gen Z cultural tastes, and savvy coffee farmers playing the market, writes Faisal Islam
bbc.co.uk
The threat to summer holidays looming from jet fuel shortages
What impact might shortages have on our summer holidays - and what could be done about it?
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